Piece Of Jewelry

ABSTRACT

A piece of jewelry, more specifically a bracelet or a necklace, comprising strand portions mutually connected by means of a connector member, a clip member comprising two half shells hinged together at respective outer peripheries and a snap lock allowing for the two half shells when being hingedly rotated to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled clip member with a through-going hole extending from a first aperture at a first lateral end of the clip member extending into an interior cavity of the clip member and further extending into a second aperture at an opposite lateral end of the clip member. The connector member comprises a centre part with two end sections and a central section positioned in between and connecting the two end sections, each end section being connected to a retainer loop, each retainer loop being connected to an end loop of at least one of the strand portions. The connector member is in a released position of the clip member able to be placed between the half shells such that when the half shells are subsequently snap-locked together to assume an assembled or locked position of the clip member, the clip member is attached to the connector member by being assembled around the centre part with the central section accommodated in the clip member&#39;s interior cavity, each aperture of the assembled clip member encircling one respective narrow section of the centre part.

The present invention relates to a piece of jewelry, more specifically a bracelet or a necklace, comprising a clip member comprising two half shells hinged together at respective outer peripheries and a snap lock allowing for the two half shells when being hingedly rotated to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled clip member with a through-going hole extending from a first aperture at a first lateral end of the clip member extending into an interior cavity of the clip member and further extending into a second aperture at an opposite lateral end of the clip member, transverse dimensions of the interior cavity being larger than transverse dimensions of the apertures.

Such a piece of jewelry is disclosed in applicant's EP 1657991 B1. A piece of strand jewelry comprises bands fixed to a jewelry strand. On each band an ornamental clip member may be attached to prevent bunching of beads or charms that slide freely along the length of the strand while not disturbing the overall appearance of the jewelry. The bands allow the beads and charms to pass when no clip member is attached. When a clip member is attached, the beads and charms are not able to slide pass the band. This prior art jewelry has limitations as regards what types of chains (or strands) may be used with it. The strand used in EP 1657991 B1 is necessarily of a type that allows for bands to be connected to it, i.e. a circular metal band or ring is positioned about and fixed to the strand.

On this background it is the object of the present invention to provide a versatile piece of strand jewelry that may effectively clip members with a wider variety of strand types.

This object is achieved in that the piece of jewelry as described in the introduction is characterized in that

it further comprises at least two strand portions, each comprising an end loop at one end, the two strand portions being mutually connected by means of a connector member,

the connector member comprises a centre part with two end sections and a central section positioned in between and connecting the two end sections, each end section being connected to a retainer loop, each retainer loop being connected to an end loop of at least one of the strand portions,

each end section and the central section having larger transverse dimensions than the apertures of the clip member, each end section being distanced from the central section by means of a narrow section of the centre part, transverse dimensions of each said narrow section being smaller than or equal to transverse dimensions of each aperture of the clip member,

the connector member in a released position of the clip member being able to be placed between the half shells such that when the half shells are subsequently snap-locked together to assume an assembled or locked position of the clip member, the connector member extends through the through-going hole, and the retainer loops and end parts extend out of the clip member on each side of the through-going hole, such that the clip member is attached to the connector member by being assembled around the centre part with the central section accommodated in the clip member's interior cavity, each aperture of the assembled clip member encircling one respective narrow section of the centre part.

Hereby, it is made possible to securely attach clip members similar to those disclosed in EP 1657991 B1 to strand types such as anchor chains or other types to which it is difficult to attach a band. Furthermore, the end sections of the centre part of the connector member ensure that a distance or separation is provided between the strand parts and clip member. During use this prevents the strand parts from grinding against a clip member used as an ornament, thereby preventing wear or destruction of a usually fragile ornamental surface. Strands such as anchor chains might otherwise quickly destroy the appearance of the clip member. Also, the connector member can be designed such as to form an ornament in itself, thus providing more versatility towards a user.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in dependent claims 2 to 7.

In one embodiment the connector member's centre part is shaped like an hourglass with smooth transitions between the end sections and the narrow sections as well as between the narrow sections and the central section, each retainer loop extending from an end surface of the hourglass shape. This provides a well-functioning connector device, which due to the smooth surfaces is able to guide the clip member to the correct position on the connector member during closing of the clip member if the clip member is positioned a little off in the longitudinal direction of the connector member before assembly of the clip member.

In another embodiment respective ends of two strand portions are mutually releasably attachable by means of a releasable locking device.

In another embodiment the piece of jewelry comprises more than two strand portions and more than one connector member, the strand portions at respective ends being connected by means of respective connector members.

In another embodiment the piece of jewelry forms part of a set that further comprises more than one clip member, at least two clip members being of varying appearance. This provides the possibility to exchange the clip members to vary the appearance of the piece of jewelry.

In another embodiment the strand portions are each in the form of a chain, preferably of the anchor type, comprising a number of interconnected chain links, preferably substantially elliptical, oval or circular in shape, a chain link at each end of the chain taking the form of an end loop positioned in a respective retainer loop.

In another embodiment the connector member functions as an ornament when no clip member is attached. This provides the option to not attach a clip member and still maintain a pleasing appearance of the piece of jewelry.

The invention also relates to a method for providing a piece of jewelry, preferably according to any one of the previous claims, comprising the steps of

providing at least two strand portions, each comprising an end loop at one end, the two strand portions being mutually connected by means of a connector member,

providing a clip member comprising two half shells hinged together at respective outer peripheries and a snap lock allowing for the two half shells when being hingedly rotated to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled clip member with a through-going hole extending from a first aperture at a first lateral end of the clip member extending into an interior cavity of the clip member and further extending into a second aperture at an opposite lateral end of the clip member, transverse dimensions of the interior cavity being larger than transverse dimensions of the apertures,

the connector member comprising a centre part with two end sections and a central section positioned in between and connecting the two end sections, each end section being connected to a retainer loop, each retainer loop being connected to an end loop of at least one of the strand portions,

each end section and the central section having larger transverse dimensions than the apertures of the clip member, each end section being distanced from the central section by means of a narrow section of the centre part, transverse dimensions of each said narrow section being smaller than or equal to transverse dimensions of each aperture of the clip member,

in a released position of the clip member positioning the connector member between the half shells,

snap-locking the half shells together to assume an assembled or locked position of the clip member, the connector member extending through the through-going hole, and the retainer loops and end parts extending out of the clip member on each side of the through-going hole, the clip member being attached to the connector member by being assembled around the centre part with the central section accommodated in the clip member's interior cavity, each aperture of the assembled clip member encircling one respective narrow section of the centre part.

The resultant piece of jewelry is preferably according to any one of the above embodiments, the method providing respective advantages similar or comparable to those described above.

The invention will now be explained by means of examples of embodiments with reference to the schematic drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a piece of stranded jewelry according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view of a connector member of the piece of jewelry shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a clip member of the piece of jewelry shown in FIG. 1 shown in a closed, locked position,

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 3 showing the clip member of FIG. 1 in an open, unlocked position,

FIG. 5 is a side view corresponding to that of FIG. 3 showing the clip member of FIG. 1 from an end side in the closed, locked position,

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing a modified embodiment of the clip member of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 8 a to 8 c show three steps of assembly of a connector member and a clip member of the piece of jewelry shown in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views of a connector member of the piece of jewelry shown in FIG. 1 shown connected to several chain parts on one side,

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10 of a modified embodiment of a connector member of a piece of jewelry according to the invention connected to several chain parts on one side, and

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views corresponding to FIG. 2 of respective modified embodiments of a connector member of a piece of jewelry according to the invention.

Generally in the drawings, in different embodiments similar or like elements are provided with similar reference signs.

FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8 a to 8 c show different parts and views of an embodiment of an assembled piece of stranded jewelry according to the present invention in the form of a necklace or a bracelet.

The piece of jewelry comprises a locking device 1 shown at the very top in FIG. 1, and five strand parts 2 in the form of anchor chain parts comprising a number of connected chain links that are each substantially elliptical in shape. Each chain part 2 comprises two respective end loops in the form of the endmost one of the chain links. The strand parts 2 may be of any other suitable type as long as suitable end loops are provided. In principle, the end loops need not be closed, they may instead be for example hook-shaped and may be releasable. The locking device 1 connects two end loops of two of the chain parts 2. All remaining end loops are mutually connected two and two by means of connector members of which the rightmost one 5 in FIG. 1 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. The connector member 5 is preferably manufactured from metal, such as silver or gold, and connects end loops 3, 4 of the two rightmost strand parts, cf. FIG. 1. The locking device 1 may be any suitable form of jewelry lock, e.g. a hook-and-loop connector or a so-called S-lock.

The connector member 5 comprises an hourglass-shaped (the hourglass-shape lying down in FIG. 2) centre part 6 with two end sections 9, 10 and a central section 11 positioned in between and connecting the two end sections 9, 10. All parts of the connector member 5 are preferably integrally moulded from metal. Each end section 9, 10 is connected to a respective retainer loop 7, 8, and each retainer loop 7, 8 is connected to one end loop 3, 4 of respective chain portions 2. Each retainer loop 7, 8 extends from and is attached to, e.g. moulded to be integral with, a lateral end surface of the centre part 6. Each end section 9, 10 is distanced or separated from the central section 11 by means of respective narrow sections 12, 13 of the centre part 6. Transverse dimensions of each narrow section 12, 13 is smaller than or equal to transverse dimensions of each aperture 27, 28 of the clip member 20. The centre part 6 generally has a substantially circular cross section in its entire length in the present embodiment, i.e. it is round in a circumferential direction. The centre part 6 thus has three symmetry planes extending in three dimensions perpendicular to each other and all extending through a point of gravity of the centre part 6. In other embodiments the cross section may vary, e.g. be rectangular or triangular or any other suitable geometric shape. Transitions between the end sections 9, 10 and the narrow sections 12, 13 as well as between the narrow sections 12, 13 and the central section 11 are smooth, the surface of the centre part 6 in a cross section of the connector member 5 in the longitudinal direction in the present embodiment substantially following a sinus curve.

The piece of jewelry as shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a substantially ball-shaped or spherical metal clip member 20 shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 5. The clip member 20 comprises two half shells 21, 22 hinged together by means of a hinge 23 positioned to connect respective outer periphery parts of the two half shells 21, 22. As is visible in FIG. 1, besides the connector member 5 the piece of jewelry comprises three similar connector members of which a single one is provided with a clip member 20. It is to be understood, however, that similar clip members or clip members of similar technical configuration, but with different appearance, such as shape, could form part of the piece of jewelry and could be connected to the remaining connector members. It is also to be understood that the piece of jewelry could include more or less than five strand parts connected by a suitable number of connector members and a jewelry lock. The strand parts may further be of different type or configuration, which is also the case as regards the connector members.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the skilled person would recognize that the hinge 23 can be of any suitable type. Each half shell 21, 22 comprises an internal depression 24, 25 surrounded by a metal shell 26. When closed the clip member 20 thus comprises an inner, spherical cavity composed of the two depressions 24, 25 facing each other. The shell 26 at each lateral end (left and right ends of FIG. 3) comprises a substantially circular aperture 27, 28 forming respective entrances to a through-going hole 29, the latter thus extending from left to right in FIG. 3 through the clip member 20 first via aperture 27, then the inner cavity (depressions 24, 25), then aperture 28. Two resilient plate-shaped, bent metal clips 30, 31 at the periphery of the lower half shell 22 snap into corresponding projections 30 a, 31 a of the upper half shell 21 to form a snap lock allowing for the two half shells 21, 22 when being hingedly rotated about hinge 23 to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled, locked, closed clip member 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, with a through-going hole 29. A small, transversely extending cutout 20 a at the top (FIG. 5) allows for insertion of a user's nail for separating the two half shells 21, 22 when opening the clip member 20 for release of the strand retainer 5. Other types of snap locks or even different types of locks may fulfil the same purpose, e.g. a single plate-shaped, bend metal clip positioned centrally, or a hook-and-loop connector, which could be released by means of an external, spring-biased button for example positioned to replace the cut-out 20 a.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, each end section 9, 10 and the central section 11 of the centre part 6 of the connector member 5 have larger transverse dimensions than the respective apertures 27, 28 of the clip member 20. In this specification, the expression “larger transverse dimensions” means that the connector member sections 9-11 have such dimensions and/or shapes that they will not be able to pass through the apertures 27, 28 in the closed position of the clip member 20.

Referring to FIGS. 8 a to 8 c, in accordance with the invention a user's assembly of the piece of jewelry, i.e. attachment of the clip member 20 to the connector member 5, may be carried out in the following manner. From the outset the chain 2 end loops 3, 4 are unreleasably attached to the retainer loops 7, 8. In a released, open position of the clip member 20 the connector member 5 is placed between the half shells 21, 22, more specifically on the lower half shell 22, cf. FIGS. 8 a and 8 b. The half shells 21, 22 are subsequently mutually rotated via hinge 23 to be snap-locked together by means of the metal clips 30, 31 to assume a locked position of the clip member 20 as shown in FIG. 8 c. The connector member 5 now extends through the through-going hole 29, and the end sections 9, 10 and retainer loops 7, 8 extend on each side of the clip member 20 out of the through-going hole 29, whereby the clip member 20 prevents the end sections 9, 10 attached to the retainer loops 7, 8 from entering into the clip member 20. Hereby, a firm retention of the clip member 20 to the connector member 5 is achieved. The clip member 20 is thus assembled around the centre part 6 with the central section 11 accommodated in the clip member 20's interior cavity that comprises the half shell depressions 24, 25, each aperture 27, 28 of the assembled clip member 20 encircling one respective narrow section 12, 13 of the centre part 6. As can perhaps be best understood from FIG. 8 b, if the connector member 5 is positioned a little too far to the left or to the right instead of properly in the middle of the lower half shell 22, the smooth transitions of the sinus-curve shaped surface of the centre part 6 will gently push the clip member in the correct central position during closing of the half shells 21, 22 against each other. As mentioned, the diameter of each aperture 27, 28 (each being substantially circular, but may assume any other suitable shape, such as elliptical or quadratic) is smaller than the diameter (i.e., the transverse dimensions) of the end sections 9, 10, whereby the end sections 9, 10 are prevented from entering through the apertures 27, 28.

Another embodiment of the clip member 20 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Whereas in the previous embodiment (FIGS. 3 to 5) the surface of each half shell 21, 22 is smooth, in this case the substantially spherical surface has been provided with an ornamental triangle pattern. In other embodiments the surface and shape of the clip may be further varied as desired. Examples of clip members that may be used in the context of the present invention are disclosed in applicant's EP 1657991 B1, the contents of which are hereby included in their entirety herein. For example the overall shape may be circular cylindrical or non-circular cylindrical (for example being rectangular or triangular in cross section), cube-shaped or a parallelepiped instead of spherical while still comprising an inner cavity.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show one retainer loop 8 of the connector member 5 of FIG. 2 connected to three and six different chain parts 2, respectively, of the same type as that shown in FIG. 1 instead of being connected to one single chain part 2 as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the retainer loops 7, 8 may thus be attached to more than one chain part 2, such as two, three or more strands or chains, to vary the resultant piece of jewelry.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show modified embodiments of a connector member 20 of a piece of jewelry according to the invention. Only differences from the previous embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 will be explained in the following.

Thus, in FIG. 11 the central section of the connector member 20 is somewhat larger than in the previous embodiment, i.e. the maximum diameter of a cross section of the central section is somewhat larger than the maximum diameter of the end sections 9, 10 (in the above embodiment these maximum diameters are substantially the same). In FIG. 11 the right retainer loop is also shown connected to several chains 2.

In the connector member 20 shown in FIG. 12 the smooth transitions between end sections 9, 10, narrow parts 12, 13 and central section 11 of the previous embodiments have been replaced by more abrupt transitions or steps, each of an angle of about 90°. This is also the case in the embodiment of FIG. 13. However, here the angles differ from 90°. The centre parts 6 of the connector members 20 of FIGS. 12 and 13 may for example be rectangular or circular in cross section.

It is generally preferred that the centre part 6 of the connector member 20 is circular-symmetrical. Further, it is generally preferred that the piece of jewelry according to the invention is in the form of a set of parts comprising a number of different clip members and a strand comprising several connector members connecting several strand part. Thus, with the piece of jewelry according to the invention the user may exchange clip members so that variations of the appearance of the piece of jewelry in question may be achieved. 

1. A piece of jewelry, more specifically a bracelet or a necklace, comprising a clip member comprising two half shells hinged together at respective outer peripheries and a snap lock allowing for the two half shells when being hingedly rotated to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled clip member with a through-going hole extending from a first aperture at a first lateral end of the clip member extending into an interior cavity of the clip member and further extending into a second aperture at an opposite lateral end of the clip member, transverse dimensions of the interior cavity being larger than transverse dimensions of the apertures, wherein: the piece of jewelry further comprises at least two strand portions, each comprising an end loop at one end, the two strand portions being mutually connected by means of a connector member, the connector member comprises a centre part with two end sections and a central section positioned in between and connecting the two end sections, each end section being connected to a retainer loop, each retainer loop being connected to an end loop of at least one of the strand portions, each end section and the central section have larger transverse dimensions than the apertures of the clip member, each end section being distanced from the central section by means of a narrow section of the centre part, transverse dimensions of each said narrow section being smaller than or equal to transverse dimensions of each aperture of the clip member, the connector member in a released position of the clip member being able to be placed between the half shells such that when the half shells are subsequently snap-locked together to assume an assembled or locked position of the clip member, the connector member extends through the through-going hole, and the retainer loops and end parts extend out of the clip member on each side of the through-going hole, such that the clip member is attached to the connector member by being assembled around the centre part with the central section accommodated in the clip member's interior cavity, each aperture of the assembled clip member encircling one respective narrow section of the centre part.
 2. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein the connector member's centre part is shaped like an hourglass with smooth transitions between the end sections and the narrow sections as well as between the narrow sections and the central section, each retainer loop extending from an end surface of the hourglass shape.
 3. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein respective ends of two strand portions are mutually releasably attachable by means of a releasable locking device.
 4. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, comprising more than two strand portions and more than one connector member, the strand portions at respective ends being connected by means of respective connector members.
 5. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, forming part of a set that further comprises more than one clip member, at least two clip members being of varying appearance.
 6. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein the strand portions are each in the form of a chain, preferably of the anchor type, comprising a number of interconnected chain links, preferably substantially elliptical, oval or circular in shape, a chain link at each end of the chain taking the form of an end loop positioned in a respective retainer loop.
 7. A piece of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein the connector member functions as an ornament when no clip member is attached.
 8. A method for providing a piece of jewelry, comprising the steps of: providing at least two strand portions, each comprising an end loop at one end, the two strand portions being mutually connected by means of a connector member, providing a clip member comprising two half shells hinged together at respective outer peripheries and a snap lock allowing for the two half shells when being hingedly rotated to be releasably snap-locked to each other to form an assembled clip member with a through-going hole extending from a first aperture at a first lateral end of the clip member extending into an interior cavity of the clip member and further extending into a second aperture at an opposite lateral end of the clip member, transverse dimensions of the interior cavity being larger than transverse dimensions of the apertures, the connector member comprising a centre part with two end sections and a central section positioned in between and connecting the two end sections, each end section being connected to a retainer loop, each retainer loop being connected to an end loop of at least one of the strand portions, each end section and the central section having larger transverse dimensions than the apertures of the clip member, each end section being distanced from the central section by means of a narrow section of the centre part, transverse dimensions of each said narrow section being smaller than or equal to transverse dimensions of each aperture of the clip member, in a released position of the clip member positioning the connector member between the half shells, snap-locking the half shells together to assume an assembled or locked position of the clip member, the connector member extending through the through-going hole, and the retainer loops and end parts extending out of the clip member on each side of the through-going hole, the clip member being attached to the connector member by being assembled around the centre part with the central section accommodated in the clip member's interior cavity, each aperture of the assembled clip member encircling one respective narrow section of the centre part.
 9. A piece of jewelry according to claim 2, wherein respective ends of two strand portions are mutually releasably attachable by means of a releasable locking device.
 10. A piece of jewelry according to claim 9, comprising more than two strand portions and more than one connector member, the strand portions at respective ends being connected by means of respective connector members.
 11. A piece of jewelry according to claim 10, forming part of a set that further comprises more than one clip member, at least two clip members being of varying appearance.
 12. A piece of jewelry according to claim 11, wherein the strand portions are each in the form of a chain, preferably of the anchor type, comprising a number of interconnected chain links, preferably substantially elliptical, oval or circular in shape, a chain link at each end of the chain taking the form of an end loop positioned in a respective retainer loop.
 13. A piece of jewelry according to claim 12, wherein the connector member functions as an ornament when no clip member is attached.
 14. A piece of jewelry according to claim 2, comprising more than two strand portions and more than one connector member, the strand portions at respective ends being connected by means of respective connector members.
 15. A piece of jewelry according to claim 2, forming part of a set that further comprises more than one clip member, at least two clip members being of varying appearance.
 16. A piece of jewelry according to claim 2, wherein the strand portions are each in the form of a chain, preferably of the anchor type, comprising a number of interconnected chain links, preferably substantially elliptical, oval or circular in shape, a chain link at each end of the chain taking the form of an end loop positioned in a respective retainer loop.
 17. A piece of jewelry according to claim 2, wherein the connector member functions as an ornament when no clip member is attached. 